Juan Mata
Juan Mata won the FA Cup at Chelsea Reuters

Juan Mata hopes to help Manchester United beat Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final tie on 9 March in order to move the Old Trafford club a step closer to winning the trophy that the midfielder won with Chelsea.

The Spaniard led the Blues to FA Cup and Champions League glory in the 2011-12 season, as well as the Europa League in 2012-13, with him named Chelsea player of the season in both campaigns.

And even though the Spaniard is struggling for regular playing time under United manager Louis van Gaal, he says he is confident he can help revive the glory days at Old Trafford.

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"As you know, we are playing Arsenal this Monday night, a game we are very looking forward to. We hope to do well and get the ticket to Wembley," Mata wrote in his weekly blog.

"To tell the truth, the team is really excited about the FA Cup, and facing an opponent like Arsenal in the last eight is a great opportunity to enjoy pure English football. And the fact that we play in Old Trafford gives us extra motivation and optimism.

"We will try to play our best football in front of our fans. This competition brings back some good memories: I was lucky to win it in my first year in England. I remember that game in Wembley very well, although I know there's still plenty of work to do for us before dreaming with a final."

Nevertheless, Mata is clear about Arsenal's threat, pointing out the Gunners play and "attractive and offensive" football.

"Arsenal are very good technically and many of their attacking players are very fast. They play with an attractive and offensive style. I'm sure this is going to be a nice game to watch for those who love football," he said.

The Spain international also had a message to Newcastle United star Jonas Gutierrez after the Argentine returned to action during their last Premier League encounter after recovering from testicular cancer.

"In our last game in the Premier League we got three points at St James' Park, always a very tough stadium. Newcastle is a team with good players who make things difficult for the opponent but we fought until the end and we were able to score in the last few minutes," he said.

"It was a very special game because Jonas Gutierrez was back to the football pitch. His fight and the way he overcame adversity is an example and we all are very pleased for him regardless of the team we play for. I am very, very happy for him."

Mata also congratulated his compatriot Ander Herrera after the midfielder was named United player of the month.

He said: "This week I also want to congratulate Ander Herrera for winning the United player of the month award for February. He is a great footballer and a better friend, so needless to say how happy I am for him."

FA Cup